Matthew 6:4
“That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Matthew 6:4 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples about various aspects of living a righteous life and maintaining a genuine relationship with God. In this particular verse, Jesus focuses on the act of giving or providing charitable assistance, commonly referred to as alms.
The verse begins with the instruction to give alms in secret. Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping our acts of kindness private, without seeking attention or recognition from others. This teaches us about the nature of true humility and selflessness. Jesus advises His followers not to perform good deeds merely to gain praise or admiration from people around them but to do so with sincerity and a genuine desire to help others.
The reason for this secrecy is made clear in the second part of the verse: “and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Jesus assures His disciples that even though their acts of charity may go unnoticed by people, God, who sees everything done in secret, will not overlook their actions. Our Heavenly Father, who observes the motives of our hearts and the true extent of our generosity, will reward us openly and appropriately.
The verse encourages us to have faith that God recognizes and appreciates our sincere efforts to help others. The reward mentioned here may not necessarily be material or visible in this life, but it may manifest in the form of spiritual blessings, a strengthened relationship with God, or the assurance of eternal rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven.
This verse teaches us not only about the importance of giving to those in need but also about the significance of maintaining a humble and sincere heart. It reminds us that our primary focus should be on pleasing God and seeking His approval, rather than seeking validation or praise from others.
In summary, Matthew 6:4 encourages us to practice acts of charity with humility and sincerity, keeping them hidden from the public eye. It assures us that our Heavenly Father, who sees everything we do in secret, will reward us openly according to His perfect knowledge and wisdom.
